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Budget Information

US 101 - West Jefferson County - Remove Fish Barriers

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Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2019.

Needs & benefits

Why is WSDOT replacing the culverts under US 101 at Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creek between Queets and Kalaloch?

All three culverts along this 15-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County have been identified as barriers to fish and in need of correction. In this project, crews will remove undersized culverts that carry Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creek under US 101, and replace them with pre-stressed, concrete girder bridges to improve stream flows for migratory fish.

This work is part of WSDOT’s Fish Passage Barrier Removal Program, which identifies and removes barriers to fish caused by culverts under state highways. WSDOT works in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify culverts that, once replaced, will increase fish habitat.

During construction, travelers will use a one-lane detour at each site that will be controlled by a temporary signal. Travelers should expect minor delays, reduced speed limits and occasional roadway closures. Any roadway closures will be announced in advance.

The End Result

The new culverts are expected to open nearly nine miles of potential fish habitat. This fish passage project will help restore the streambeds to a more natural state and improve fish passage for local migratory fish.

Steamboat Creek will be replaced with a 208-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.

Harlow Creek will be replaced with a 133-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.

Fisher Creek will be replaced with a 70-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.